I’m working on the Carbon Neutral Islands (CNI) project, supporting six Scottish islands to become carbon neutral by 2040. My role as Project Manager involves co-ordinating and leading on the delivery of this exciting project. This means working closely with communities and partners across the islands to help move towards net-zero in a fair and just way. CNI aims to share good practices and learnings from the project with all other Scottish islands and mainland communities. My hope is that this project will open up opportunities, increase climate resilience, and contribute to the sustainable development of the islands.
I’m from Ireland originally, where I grew up in a small rural community. I went to the University of Galway to study for a BE in Civil Engineering and worked for a time as an Engineer on public water supply projects. I came to Scotland in 2007 to do an MSc in Environmental Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh. Since then I’ve worked mainly for community-based organisations and I strongly believe in empowering local communities to shape their own future. I am passionate about finding ways for people to live well and thrive while respecting our natural environment.
I’m delighted to be involved with the Carbon Neutral Islands project and I believe it will bring real benefits to the islands in a variety of ways. I’m aware of the many challenges faced by island communities but I also know how resilient and determined they can be.
I live on the Isle of Colonsay with my wife Lizzie and our son River. We have a wee community-owned croft on the island where we are establishing a vegetable garden and planting a woodland. We have a small flock of Hebridean sheep, two pigs, some laying hens, and a dog called Lad. In our free time we’re usually out exploring somewhere or playing on the beach.
darragh.keenaghan(at)communityenergyscotland.org.uk
Phone: 07852 570280
